Fraser Coast is the next region to benefit from disability accommodation developed by Accessible Homes Australia (AHA) as it commences construction on its fourth Queensland project in Hervey Bay.
Twelve new residential villas for NDIS participants with high physical support needs are being built in Urraween within a growing community with close, flat access to shopping, recreation and allied health services.
Named Urraween Village, the single-level dwellings will have two bedrooms, allowing participants to live with family or friends, and accessible facilities including swimming pool and gym, and onsite shared support offering 24-hour care.
AHA has already delivered three award-winning, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) projects on the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay is its first project in its regional Queensland expansion.
Founded by Perry Cross AM, who lives with quadriplegia and his long-time friends, developer Tom Ray, and homebuilders Tim Douglas and Jason Doerr, AHA is committed to helping people with high physical support needs find independence and safety through appropriate accessible housing.
“There are too many people living in unsuitable homes either in short-term accommodation, with family or in aged-care facilities and that needs to change,” said Mr Cross.
“The good news is, there is a government scheme available through the NDIS called Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that is designed to get people into appropriate housing.
“The problem is there is not enough SDA homes available or in the pipeline and too many people are forced into Australia’s predominant disability housing model of group homes.
“Projects are starting to proliferate in metropolitan areas, but we recognise there is still a significant a lack of independent, safe living options in regional communities.
“AHA is trying to change that by creating housing that gives people choice in where they live, and who they live with.”
AHA, the 2024 Queensland Telstra Business Award winner for Building Communities, has already housed 18 NDIS participants who are enjoying the freedoms and security of independent living in everyday communities.
The team plans to replicate their success in Hervey Bay and are calling for people to apply for one of the 12 villas with completion earmarked for mid 2025.
Mr Cross said AHA’s ’shared care’ model meant participants could live independently with the added security of 24-hour onsite shared support acting as an affordable safety net outside primary support providers.
“We have found this model not only gives peace of mind to the participant, but additional freedoms for any live-in carers who are often family members or spouses,” he said.
“This care model is also delivered at a cost saving to both the participant and the NDIS when compared with 24/7 in-home shared services like those in group homes.
“Having lived with family for 25 years after my accident, I know first-hand how life-changing independent living is and helping others find the same freedoms as I now enjoy is the motivation behind AHA.”
Urraween Village will feature fully accessible residents’ facilities including multimedia lounge and kitchenette, exercise and rehabilitation gym, swimming pool with hoist, outdoor barbeque and dining area and sensory garden.
The site has adjoining access to the flat and accessible Hervey Bay Rail Trail, is one kilometre from Stockland Shopping Centre and Bunnings, 1.5 kilometres to two hospitals and 2.5 kilometres to the waterfront beach walk footpath.
Mr Ray said when planning an SDA project, finding the right location was paramount.
“AHA builds Specialist Disability Accommodation in thriving communities to ensure residents have easy access to transport, amenities, recreation and employment,” he said.
“Our residents have custom homes built to suit their specific needs, onsite facilities to improve their quality of life, access to amenity that enhances their lifestyle and proximity to communities to keep them connected.”
The villas will include customised home automation, duress and communication technologies, voice-controlled air-conditioning and emergency battery powered alternate electric source.
The second bedroom can be adapted as a multifunction space for anything from an informal support base, additional lounge or office.
The villas will have generous, accessible terrace balconies and gardens, and will be provisioned for a bedroom hoist, as well as automatic doors and blinds.
“Having witnessed the transformation of so many participants in our Gold Coast projects, we are desperate to deliver more opportunities for participants across Queensland,“ said Mr Ray.
“AHA works with participants and their families to navigate the funding and approval process. We invite anyone with high physical support needs to apply for a home at Urraween Village via phone or on our website.”
For more information or applications visit www.accessiblehomes.au.
